Grateful for Openings

December 26, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

“I bought a turkey roll and frozen stuffing,” Ric announced after a recent grocery shop. I might have raised an eyebrow. “Thought we could have it on Christmas day.” “We’re going to visit Mom on Christmas day,” I reminded him. “At the nursing home.” As a blended family, Ric and I surrendered Christmas day a […]

Time For Pause

December 22, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

The current struggle: keeping up with holiday festivities, fighting a stubborn cold, and caring for grandchildren, has taken its toll. I am behind in reading posts, and feeling overwhelmed by social media. Time for a pause. I will be scaling back activities till the season has passed and I’ve regained a semblance of normalcy. Not […]

Winter Hues

December 21, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Winter paints the landscape in monochrome hues – frosted blue waters reflected in iced trees, The greys and browns of goose featherscamouflaged against a buff backdrop. (for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Basically One Colour or Hue.)

Burrs

December 20, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

How many winter walksended with burrs mattedin curly Wheaton hair;how you wriggledto escape the grooming,how we laughed at yourjokester antics? Your spirit still fillsthe empty spaces,I hear the jingle of your collar, catcha whiff of terrier fluff,pull on an invisible leashwhenever I encounter burrs. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day)

Pausing to Revel

December 19, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

Remnants of wrapping paper peek out from under the sofa. Leftover goodies tempt from the countertop. In the aftermath of our family gathering, I pause to enjoy the peace, processing the sweetness of the day. So many precious moments: “Grandma, can we have another present?” Three-year-old August, so enthralled with the magic of the day. […]

Ice

December 17, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: Ice, Ice Baby

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #77: pause

December 16, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As the world bustles, and we rush to meet deadlines, check off to-do lists, and fulfill those party invites, find a moment to pause, look, and listen. Share a photograph, thought, or inspiration. To participate, just create a post and then link back to this one, or drop a comment or link in the comment […]

Fa La La La La…

December 15, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

Soon, he’ll ramp up the Christmas tunes, my Santa-husband. I’ll be putting the last touches on the table setting, and stirring the soup pot. Even though it is daylight, our festive lights will be blazing. We are celebrating with family today. First, I will wrap up this week’s challenge, anticipating no fuel left in my […]

Colour Me Vibrant

December 14, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

We counter the Winter darkness,those of us tucked in Northern climeswith vibrancy of colour to garner cheer. Reds, and greens, to mark the holiday season,messages of goodwill and alluring treats –and light the night with magical glow. For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: vibrant colours.

Night, Night

December 13, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Donning Winter’s coatSummer’s sparkle retreated –Garden is abed. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day)

Back Seat Only

I can’t remember a timewhen elegance chose meto sit in the front seatride along in style She’d be clad in whiteand I’m ever too messycan’t control myselfmight tarnish the upholstery She’d want to go shoppingrings and jewels flashinglike Pretty Womanafter the haul I’m second-handtypically slink in and outgrabbing what I need and goinglest anyone see […]

Having a Why

(This is found poem, previously posted on OneWoman’s Quest II)

Over It!

One day it’s so mild that I don’t bother with a coat, the next we wake up to snow on the ground. The plants pushing up through the soil seem a little more patient than me – as if they are humouring nature’s fickleness. I’m ready for clear change. A pair of finches just flew […]